Frantoio Olive Tree

• Country of Origin: Italy
• Zones: 8-9
• Looks: open structure and fruiting branches which are long, slender and flexible. Frantoio generally reaches 20 feet tall.
• Personality: Fruit is medium sized (between 1.5 and 2.5 grams), extended oval shape.
• Facts of note: Preferred picking time is early, while olives are still green and purple. Rich in high quality, very fruity, notably aromatic, oil (between 17 and 22%). Low cold tolerance.
• Pollenizer: Self-fruitful, with a high, constant, productivity.

For more information, please enjoy our Resource Guide for planting and growing olive trees.

The Frantoio Olive Tree is a captivating addition to home gardens, offering the allure of Mediterranean elegance and the promise of producing high-quality olives. This potted olive tree, scientifically known as Olea europaea 'Frantoio,' is prized for its versatility, adaptability, and the culinary treasures it bestows.

Key Characteristics of the Frantoio Olive Tree:

1. Classic Appearance: The Frantoio Olive Tree showcases a classic Mediterranean appearance, featuring silvery-green leaves that are lance-shaped and evergreen, creating a timeless and elegant aesthetic.

2. Medium Size: This olive tree typically reaches a height of 15 to 20 feet, with a similar spread, making it suitable for both small and large garden spaces.

3. Drought-Tolerant: Frantoio Olive Trees are renowned for their remarkable drought tolerance, reflecting their Mediterranean heritage. They thrive in regions with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

4. High-Quality Olives: The olives produced by the Frantoio variety are highly esteemed for their exceptional flavor, often described as fruity, aromatic, and slightly peppery. They are sought after for olive oil production and culinary use.

Practical Uses of the Frantoio Olive Tree:

1. Olive Oil Production: The Frantoio Olive is renowned as one of the finest olive varieties for olive oil extraction. The olives' high oil content and distinctive flavor profile make them a preferred choice among olive oil producers and home enthusiasts.

2. Culinary Delights: The olives harvested from Frantoio Olive Trees are also ideal for table olives. They can be brine-cured, marinated, or enjoyed fresh, adding a burst of Mediterranean flavor to salads, appetizers, and dishes.

3. Ornamental Value: Beyond its culinary attributes, the Frantoio Olive Tree serves as an exquisite ornamental tree, enhancing the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes with its evergreen foliage and picturesque form.

Growing and Care Tips for the Frantoio Olive Tree:

1. Sunlight: Ensure that your Frantoio Olive Tree receives full sun, as it thrives in bright, direct sunlight. Aim for at least 6 hours of daily sun exposure.

2. Well-Drained Soil: Plant your olive tree in well-drained soil with a slightly alkaline pH level. Adequate drainage is crucial to prevent waterlogged roots.

3. Watering: While Frantoio Olive Trees are drought-tolerant once established, provide regular, deep watering during the first few years to promote healthy root development. Afterward, water sparingly.

4. Pruning: Prune your olive tree to maintain its shape, remove dead or diseased branches, and encourage optimal fruit production. Pruning is typically done during the dormant season.

5. Fertilization: Olive trees benefit from a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in the spring. Avoid excessive nitrogen, as it can inhibit fruit production.

6. Harvesting: Olives from the Frantoio Olive Tree are typically harvested in the late fall or early winter when they have reached their desired size and color. Timing may vary depending on your location.

The Frantoio Olive Tree brings the essence of the Mediterranean to your home garden, offering both aesthetic beauty and culinary excellence. With its timeless appearance, drought tolerance, and the promise of producing high-quality olives for oil and table use, it has earned its place as a cherished choice among gardeners and olive enthusiasts. By providing the proper care and attention it deserves, you can enjoy the rewards of this Mediterranean gem for years to come, savoring the flavors of your homemade olive oil and enhancing your garden's charm.

Photos by: Santa Cruz Olive Tree Nursery

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Olive trees come potted and are self-fruitful (produce both male and female flowers on the same tree). Even if a pollenizer is not required, mixing varieties may help increase yields. See suggested trees under "Pollenizer" for each variety. Evergreen, long-lived, beautiful ornamental with soft gray-green foliage. The ideal time of year to plant olives is in early fall. Alternately early spring is another good time of year to plant olives. The slow growing trees reach about 25 feet in maturity. Depending on the variety, olives should begin to produce fruit 2-4 years after planting.

Thrives in hot summers but will tolerate coastal regions too. Winter temperatures shouldn't drop below 22°F (green fruit will be damaged at 32°F), but average winter temperatures above 50°F will inhibit fruiting. Drought resistant trees grow in alkaline soils with little fertilization. Plan your planting location to provide good drainage.

The potted trees will be about 18"-36" tall from the bottom of the pot to the top of the tree, approximately 1/8"-1/4"diameter (measured just above the graft).

Cannot ship to the following states: FL, TX, AZ, OR, VA, AK, HI, PR, VI, GU

Cannot ship via USPS.

Cannot ship via SmartPost.

Shipping Weight: 4.5 lb

Dimensions: 35.9"L x 3.9"W x 3.9"H

• Potted
• Self-fruitful
• Somewhat Drought Tolerant
• Suited to Warmer Climates